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Size tunable fluorescent nano-graphite oxides: preparation and cell imaging applications
Xiaoyong Zhang1, Shiqi Wang, Meiying Liu
1Department of Chemistry, the Tsinghua Center for Frontier Polymer Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China. leitao@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn weiyen@tsinghua.edu.cn.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|October 8, 2013
Summary
Fluorescent nano-graphite oxides (NGO) were synthesized and demonstrated size-tunable photoluminescence and excellent biocompatibility. These nanomaterials show promise for cell imaging and broader biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Nano-graphite oxides (NGO) are emerging nanomaterials with potential biomedical applications.
- Controlling NGO size and properties is crucial for targeted applications.
- Investigating NGO for cell imaging requires understanding their interaction with biological systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize fluorescent nano-graphite oxides (NGO) with controlled size distribution.
- To evaluate the photoluminescent properties and biocompatibility of synthesized NGO.
- To explore the potential of NGO for cell imaging applications.
Main Methods:
- One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of NGO from graphite powder.
- Dialysis using membranes with varying molecular weight cutoffs for size separation.
- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for functional group analysis.
- Photoluminescence spectroscopy for optical property assessment.
- Cell culture (A549 cells) and laser scanning confocal microscopy for cellular uptake and localization studies.
Main Results:
- Fluorescent NGO with varied size distributions were successfully synthesized.
- FTIR confirmed the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl, and epoxy groups, ensuring water solubility.
- NGO exhibited size-dependent photoluminescence properties.
- NGO demonstrated excellent biocompatibility with A549 cells.
- Confocal microscopy showed NGO internalization and cytoplasmic localization in A549 cells.
Conclusions:
- Synthesized NGO possess tunable photoluminescence, good water solubility, and excellent biocompatibility.
- NGO are effectively internalized by cells and localized in the cytoplasm.
- These findings highlight the potential of nano-graphite oxides for bioimaging and other biomedical applications.
